Reading The Fine Print: When Is The Pay Too Low?

Landing a job in international affairs is exciting, but too often, entry-level salaries don’t match the cost of living in global hubs. Before you sign that contract, let’s talk about how to spot a lowball offer—and negotiate the pay you deserve.

You’ve spent years preparing for a career in international affairs, studying global trends, mastering languages, interning at policy organisations, and networking across borders. You’ve made it through the gruelling job application process, polished your CV and nailed the interview. Now, you’ve landed a job offer in an international NGO, a policy think tank, or an embassy. The opportunity sounds amazing, but when you glance at the salary, reality hits: How am I supposed to survive on this?

For many early-career professionals in international affairs, low pay is an unfortunate norm. Many roles—particularly in NGOs, the UN system, development agencies, and diplomatic circles—offer salaries that barely cover living expenses in global hubs like New York, Geneva or Brussels.

But just because you’re passionate about the work doesn’t mean you should accept a paycheque that undervalues you. So, how do you recognise when an offer is too low? And how can you negotiate a salary that allows you to thrive, not just scrape by? Let’s break it down.

Step One: Understand the Costs of an International Career

Unlike a corporate career where structured pay scales are more the norm, international affairs careers often involve complicated financial considerations:

• Moving costs: Relocating to global policy hubs like Washington D.C., or London, is expensive. Flights, visa fees, initial accommodation, and settling-in expenses can add up to thousands of dollars.

• High cost of living: Cities like Brussels that host many EU institutions, and UN headquarters in places like Geneva and New York, have notoriously high rents. Even entry-level apartments can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per month.

• Short-term contracts: Many international roles start with fixed-term contracts, from 6 months up to 2 years. A low salary with no job security can leave you financially vulnerable.

• Unpaid internships and fellowships: Many organisations still offer unpaid or underpaid positions for "experience." If you're moving internationally for one, factor in how long you can afford to work for minimal pay.

• Student loans: If you’ve pursued a Master’s in International Relations or Development Studies in the UK or the US, you may be balancing student debt with a low NGO salary.

Knowing these costs upfront helps you assess whether a salary offer is sustainable, or a fast track to financial strain.

Step Two: Research Salary Standards for Your Sector

International affairs is broad, so salaries vary across roles:

• NGOs & charities: Entry-level program officers or research associates can expect anywhere between $30,000 to $45,000 in the U.S. or €28,000 to €40,000 in Europe. However, salaries at smaller NGOs can be even lower.

• United Nations & multilateral organisations: The UN has structured pay scales (P-1, P-2 for entry-level professionals), starting at $40,000 to $75,000, depending on location and allowances.

• Government and diplomacy: Entry-level foreign service officers can earn between $50,000 to $75,000, with diplomatic allowances making a difference.

• Think tanks and research institutions: Pay varies widely, with junior research analysts earning $40,000 to $55,000, but higher salaries in well-funded institutions like the Brookings Institution or Chatham House.

Use WIAN's dedicated job board, and other databases like Glassdoor and Devex for NGO professionals to benchmark what you should be earning.

Step Three: Spot the Red Flags of a Lowball Offer

If you see these warning signs, think twice before accepting:

• “We can’t offer more because it’s a mission-driven job.” Passion for global issues doesn’t mean you should struggle financially.

• “We’ll review your salary after six months.” Will they? And is there a clear, documented policy to ensure it happens?

• “Everyone starts at this level.” That doesn’t mean the level is fair. If other organisations are paying more, question why.

• No mention of benefits. If there’s no discussion of health insurance, relocation support, or pension contributions, you could end up spending a significant chunk of your income covering these costs yourself. If a job offer means you’ll be spending more than 50% of your salary on rent alone, it’s a sign the pay isn’t sustainable.

Now, these red flags are not automatic no's, and doesn't mean you should not accept the offer itself. However, you should think carefully about your exit strategy, and taking your progression into your own hands.

Step Four: Negotiating a Fair Salary in International Affairs

Many people assume international organisations won’t negotiate, but that’s not true. You can push back. Here’s how:

1. Express enthusiasm first. Employers want to see your passion, but that doesn’t mean agreeing to anything. Say: “I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I’d love to discuss the details further.”

   
   

2. Showcase your research. If the offer is low, back up your counteroffer with industry data: “Based on my research and discussions with peers, I was expecting a salary closer to [insert number]. Is there flexibility to adjust the offer?”

   
   

3. Negotiate beyond salary. If they truly can’t increase the base pay, ask for:

   • A relocation stipend

   • Housing allowance (common in UN roles)

   • Professional development funding

   • Additional paid leave

   
   

4. Depending on where you are in your job search, use competing offers as leverage. If you have multiple offers, mention that without being aggressive: “I’m considering another opportunity with a slightly higher salary and relocation support. I’d love to stay within your organisation - would you be open to matching that?”

Step Five: Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes, the best decision is to decline an offer that doesn’t align with your financial needs. If a salary is too low to sustain you in an expensive international city, it could mean constantly worrying about rent, sacrificing quality of life, or even having to leave the role prematurely.

A few questions to ask yourself before accepting:

• Will I be able to live comfortably after paying rent, taxes, and basic expenses?

• Does this salary allow me to save, invest, or pay off debts?

• Are there clear growth opportunities, or will I be stuck at this pay level for years?

If the answers don’t align with your goals, it’s okay to walk away. Women in international affairs are often told that working in global development, diplomacy, or humanitarian aid is about the mission, not the money. But here’s the truth: you can care about the mission and still get paid fairly. Your expertise, skills, and time have value. Make sure your paycheck reflects that.

So next time an offer lands in your inbox, don’t rush to say yes. Read the fine print, crunch the numbers, and ask yourself: Can I actually build the career I want on this salary? If the answer is no, negotiate, push back, or walk away. Because you deserve to be paid for the impact you bring to the world.